Women Who Write
Women Who Write was formed in July to reach out to people to try to help combat isolation. Helen realised that there was an opportunity to make a difference with residents in Burnham on Sea and Wells care homes, some who unfortunately do not always have regular contact with people from outside the home and often the only mail they receive is brown envelopes or medical appointments. Helen and other volunteers thought that it would be nice for them to receive a good old-fashioned hand-written letter or card in the post.
Women who Write currently correspond with 4 homes in Burnham on Sea and are in discussion with Burnham on Sea Hospital. They hope to have the opportunity to engage with some mental health units in the near future.
The volunteer writers choose the type of correspondence they feel most comfortable with for example postcards, cards or short letters. One has begun writing poetry and includes a scented napkin in with it. There is even a ghost writer who captures the adventures of Mati the dog, the residents eagerly await the latest story. But most of the fantastic ladies just write about what they have been up to that day. The sort of letter, card that one would write to a friend. In fact, one of the homes has joined in writing correspondence too, one resident is enjoying writing out some of her husband’s poetry.
As well as local writers, the women also have correspondence being mailed from Lincolnshire and Cumbria. Some very lovely letters have been well received as has exquisite pieces of origami. A local art group Create You, has been donating some artwork and handmade cards for the ladies to use.
The latest inquiry has been from Tony Fisher from Derbyshire who is, with Art Council funding, working on a Loneliness and Isolation project. He was coming to Burnham on sea to have a look at the chat bench and came across the WWW. The Ladies were more than happy to meet with him and talk about what they are doing. Tony took the opportunity to grab a photograph of our volunteers Tony will be returning to meet some of the recipients to find out exactly what it means to them to receive their correspondence.
Helen expressed how fantastic it is seeing this project grow. The youngest writer is 7 years old and is sure to brighten up everyone’s day when they read about her day. The oldest writer is 99 years young. The project benefits volunteers as much as recipients. Julie B who hesitantly started writing poetry only a few months ago has since performed her poetry live at a local arts and music festival. Several contributors say how much they enjoy just taking some time out of their day to sit and write, especially as they know the difference their letters and cards make.
Helen explained that if anyone would like to get involved and that can include gentlemen too, the women would love to have them on board. There is no need for regular commitment, just write as and when you can. Just start your correspondence with an ‘Hello’ or ‘Dear Reader’ and leave a couple of inches space at the bottom of the correspondence after your name / initials so we can add our return address stickers. If you are using an envelope, please do not seal it.
Correspondence can be left at the St Andrew’s church (box on the left just inside the door) or sent to the vicarage – Women Who Write, The Vicarage, 38 Rectory Road, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1AZ and distribution will be taken care of. Women who write are running a few letter writing sessions. combining letters for ‘from me to you’ which is a cancer charity and letters for WWW too. it will give the volunteers a chance to meet each other and give some of those who are not sure what to write some advice. the first session will be at St Andrew’s Church next Wednesday 23rd 12.30 – 2.30
Here is some of the feedback that has been received;
“We have had residents sitting down for hours talking to each other about their postcards and many of them are already excited to receive their next postcard.”
“One of our residents, who has dementia, had such a lovely smile after receiving one of the cards. She was so contented and pleased while I read out the message to her and we looked and chatted about the picture on the postcard.”
Correspondence can be left at the St Andrew’s church (box on the left just inside the door) or sent to the vicarage – Women Who Write, The Vicarage, 38 Rectory Road, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1AZ
